Evaluation of neural transmission in implanted patients with Meniere's disease.

Abstract

Introduction: Meniere's disease (MD) is characterised by fluctuating hearing loss. When hearing loss is severe or profound, rehabilitation requires cochlear implantation. The aim of this retrospective study was to compare cochlear implant (CI) fittings and electrode impedances between patients implanted because of MD and those with other aetiologies.

Materials and methods: This study involved patients who received cochlear implantation with MED-EL CI at our centre between 2005 and 2022. We first compared speech recognition in a quiet environment at one year after cochlear implantation. We then performed a comparative study of the electrode impedances and most comfortable levels at activation, 2, 3, 6, and 12 months after activation.

Results: Out of the 218 patients included in our study, 21 were diagnosed with MD. There was no significant difference in speech intelligibility in a quiet environment between the 2 groups. Electrode impedances were statistically comparable in both groups. However, MCLs for the 2 most apical electrodes were higher in the MD group during the first 2 months after surgery.

Conclusions: This study found a need for electrical stimulation at higher intensities in low-frequency electrodes during the early months after cochlear implantation in MD.